Get a life: Doyle slams 'pissant' protesters

Stephen Cauchi

Lord mayor Robert Doyle has labelled protesters who marred Thursday night's Institute of Public Affairs dinner "pissants" who needed to "get a life".

Mr Doyle's car was swarmed by protesters in fiery scenes outside the dinner, which was held at the National Gallery of Victoria to mark the 70th anniversary of right-wing think-tank the Institute of Public Affairs.

His car was forced to drive away as police tackled the protesters – who were shouting "shame, Doyle, shame" – although it returned some time later so Mr Doyle could attend the dinner.

Protesters trying to stop Robert Doyle's car as it approaches the National Gallery of Victoria on Thursday. Photo: Luis Enrique Ascui

"I've been in public life too long to let pissants like that worry me," said Mr Doyle, at a media conference on Friday morning.

"They weren't making a legitimate point, they were just giving this mindless shriek of rage against something."

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He said the protesters should "get a life. Go away. Let us get on with the life of Melbourne".

The protesters surrounded the car, jumped up and down on the bonnet, sat on the roof and kicked the windows with their heels, Mr Doyle said. One opened the car door although Mr Doyle quickly shut it. The tyres were let down, but otherwise there was no lasting damage to the vehicle, he said.